Winter Campout

This year's winter camping was a blast. On the first day we arrived out to camp and those that had cars were almost submerged to because of the huge holes (lakes). Some of us had to wait for Darryl to come back and rescue us. We got to camp and stayed up for a couple of hours having a fire and eating pudgy pies. Then we all settled in for the night.

Saturday Night's Campfire

On the second day we got up and had some bacon, eggs, and toast. Then all of us campers started to build our winter shelters. After that we took a hike to Snowshoe Village and then back to camp. That night some kids slept in their shelters and the rest of us slept in cabins.

On the last day we woke up and had donuts. Then we began to pick up the campsite and left Camp without a trace. Although we almost burned the cabin down with a pair of socks, everyone had a good time. ~ Beau M

"Hessel" International Scout Rally

Beau gets it right

Scouting isn't just an American activity. Scouting began in England and came to the U.S. one-hundred and five years ago. It has since spread internationally - including to Canada. That leads us by circuitous segway to this year's "Hessel" International Scout Rally (held this year near Trout Lake). The rally this year included over 500 Canadians, Girls Scouts, Venture Crews, and Boy Scouts. While the weather looked pretty dismal, it didn't spoil the event, and it wasn't as bad as last year.

Darryl, Carl, and Todd arrived Thursday night to stake out a good location and set up camp. Their efforts paid off. Ours was the first camp past the entrance, and not far from the center of action. We were also able to stake out sites for our local Crews and Troops. Robert arrived late and heated up some shrimp egg rolls to share. The weather overnight was cold, rainy, and windy. That's pretty standard for the rally, and it didn't pose any problems, though Darryl took a few sleeping bags into town to run through a dryer. The rest of the Troop would arrive Friday.

Friday started with an easy morning with French toast and a toasty fire. The day progressed to a steady stream of arrivals. Our Scouts quickly settled in to their established duty roster: cooking, cleanup, and campfire. Through these activities, Scouts are able to check off more promotion requirements. Friday night it rained.

Some years attendance to the International Scout Rally hits over 1,000. This year we saw about half that, and the weather may be to blame - or the change in location, but wherever Scouts gather, there's fun to be had, and the boys had plenty.

On Saturday morning the weather cleared up and the real fun began. The rally's theme was "holidays". Naturally our Troop had settled on Administrative Professional's Day. The boys dressed in professional attire, donned taped glasses, wore pocket protectors, and carried briefcases. Halloween costumes couldn't have been more frightening. Once dressed, the boys raced from campsite to campsite to participate in whatever activity the unit had planned. Prizes went to the Patrols that visited the most campsites. Our boys made it to the bottom of the top ten - a good showing in the face of serious competition. Pete produced an excellent entry for the Dutch oven competition. Though he failed to place, his dish was a big hit with the rest of us.

The activities continued with dinner, prizes, and a dance. Rumors quickly followed that Beau was a hit with the girls, and thus ended the day. I've posted an album for the event if you'd like to experience a bit of it for yourself.

The weather held out for the Sunday morning pack-out, and we put away most of the tents dry. The ride home felt a lot quieter than the ride out - even with all the snoring in the back.

Next year's theme will be "Around the World in Three Days". Already the ideas are bubbling...

Memorial Day Flag Planting

Scouting helps more than just Scouts

Sometimes we get so caught up in Scout activities, especially service projects, that we forget the impact we have on other people.

Today I saw Scouts in uniform cleaning up litter and planting flags in preparation for Memorial Day ceremonies this coming Monday, and I saw a lot more than that.

I saw a dozen or more grizzled veterans paying their respects. They, too, saw our boys carrying forward the tradition of honoring those who served during the most difficult times.

I also saw younger children following the example set by the Scouts, and I couldn't help but think, "this means something."

I hope that today, this weekend, and Memorial Day, we can catch our breath, look around, and see how our actions bring a a little brightness or a smile to someone don't even know.

Bit by bit, our actions make this world a better place.

Bell Hospital Raised Flower Boxes

Power Tool - or Automated Screwdriver?

Amy reports:

Julie Solka, volunteer services supervisor at UP Health System, Bell, contacted me in late March to ask if the Scouts would be interested in building four planters for the community garden sometime in April or May.  One of Julie's volunteers donated the materials.  Darryl and Carl cut the lumber, and the boys built the planters with great enthusiasm.  The only "funny story" I saw was the feat of strength and cooperation required to move the four very heavy boxes from the driveway into the garden area.  It was an all-hands-on-deck moment.  :)

Commentary from the Troop Blogger:
Didn't someone mention that maybe the boxes should be built closer to the garden? And didn't someone not listen? Do tell!

I sure wish I could have been there!

Pancake Breakfast Ticket Sales Event

Sweet Sales Success!

Our ticket sales event got off to a great start with 17 Scouts selling 213 tickets. Many buyers donated tickets to St Vinny's and to the Salvation Army. As a result, we'll be feeding a lot of hungry people on May 9th.

All Scouts who participated will split the evening's proceeds evenly. Great work guys! 

After tonight, Scouts are encouraged to continue selling right up until the 9th. The Troop will credit a Scout's scholarship fund $3 for each ticket they sell. These funds can be used for Scout related purchases and for camp tuition. Interested Scouts should also plan ahead for a trip to the National Jamboree next year. 

And don't forget to sell to family, friends, and teachers. Always remember, though - sell safely! Always go with a buddy and an adult, and don't carry large amounts of cash with you. 

Food Drive

Lending a hand to the Salvation Army

When the Salvation Army's pantry ran bare, Scouts stood ready to lend a hand. Never mind that it was below zero or that the Troop had a full plate of events, an empty food pantry constitutes a community emergency.

In answer to the call, Troop 321 posted Scouts at the Jubilee in Ishpeming and the Super One in Negaunee Sunday afternoon. Together, the boys collected five full shopping carts from a generous community and unloaded them directly at the pantry. 

This food drive really was a great experience. The boys face a lot of rejection when trying to fund raise for the Troop. However, the community responded vary generously today and had many nice things to say to our boys. A lot of credit goes to Jubilee and Super One for giving our Scouts permission and space to make their pitch - and to our communities for pitching in. 

Big hearts & full baskets at the Jubilee

We're going to do this again next Sunday, and we hope for more great results. We'll participate in the community's annual canned food drive in April, too. The boys are a real asset to the community, and they're learning great lessons about service as well. 

Pot Luck & Honor Court

 

The Scout Handshake

Scouts work throughout the year on promotion requirements, merit badges, and service projects. Why? Because its fun, interesting, and helpful. Maybe they get a little push from their parents, but it's a push along a path of lifetime learning and community building. Once started on this path, many boys stay on it much to their benefit and ours.

As a result, we find it important to pause a moment to reflect on and reward recent achievements. For example, our Scouts participated in at least seven different service projects since our last honor court, and that doesn't count the assistance they've extended to Pack 321. Scoutmaster Carl handed out dozens of merit badges, and most of the boys also earned promotions, too. 

And, of course, the pot-luck dinner added a warm, neighborly atmosphere to the event. Thanks to everyone who brought a dish, and thanks to our Scouts for all their hard work!

Don't forget to check out the evening's photo album. 

Lending a Finger

Dodging a rocket

Pack 321 held their annual Space Derby race, and they put out a call to Troop 321 to lend a finger - a propeller-winding finger, that is. Many of our Scouts came from Pack 321, and quite a few volunteered to help. While Bo operated the starting line, the other boys helped wind up the rockets and place them on the course.

At one point, a rocket left the track, performed a u-turn, and dive bombed Bo. Fortunately, Bo's reflexes saved him from harm, and we all had a good laugh - including Bo who asked to have this photo published.

The Cubs were really good sports, and it looks like they had a blast. What a great event! For more pictures, you can visit the online album here: http://bit.ly/1wVpcKv

Veterans Appreciation Fishing Day

Scouts were a big help and well appreciated

The South Shore Fishing Association sponsored a Veterans Appreciation Fishing Day and asked for Scout volunteers to help out with the pig roast luncheon.

The event went well, and they had enough food left over to treat all the volunteers to a free lunch.

Carp River Hike

Scouts - inspiring future generations

High adventure, that's where Scouts find fun. Today we took another step toward high adventure with a quick shake-down hike along Carp River to Unnamed Morgan Falls. While on route, we saw some of the handiwork of an Eagle Scout who had gone before.

Six Scouts, two siblings, a couple of dogs, and six adults hit the trail for a relatively short three miles. The trek gave the boys a chance to test out packs and boots. This will be useful as we undertake longer and more difficult hikes.

When we reached the falls, we offloaded our gear, uploaded some lunch, and explored the area. The mosquitoes were about Yooper-normal as were the fish. That is to say, the mosquitoes bit and the fish did not. However, luck was with us and we made it back to the cars before the rain hit.

I think we'll be back. The mountain biking trails thereabouts looked quite inspiring.

Also check out our trip album!

Court of Honor

Scouts leading the way

Today we celebrated our Scouts' achievements in earning both Merit Badges and promotions. Our boys put in some good work these past few months, and they deserve the recognition that goes with it. 

We also welcomed our new Troop members including the boys who crossed over this spring and the boys who joined our Troop from other units. Together we're going to have a great year!

And, of course, we are especially grateful to all the parents who have helped make this possible. Whether its making a dish for the potluck, sharing rides, joining us on camp-outs, or serving as an official BSA Adult Volunteer, we couldn't do it without you.

And so as we honored our Scouts this evening, I'd like to add, "Great job everyone!"

And don't forget to check out the event's album!

Pack 321 Webelos Cross Over...

On My Honor...

... with a little help from their friends in Troop 321 and Boy Scouts' honor society, Order of the Arrow.

Families, Scouts, and leaders all attended this significant and solemn event, and many of the boys from Troop 321 participated.

These former Cubs will now choose a Troop to join, and we expect many of them will choose ours.

Additional event photos may be found in our album page.

Webelos Weekend

Erick leads a nature hike

Each year Erick's troop hosts a "Webelos Weekend" and invites other packs to participate. Pack 321 sent two Webelos, and Gary went along to help out. We have a good relationship with Erick, even though he's Carl's older brother, and we look forward to this campout every year.

Although the weather looked dismal the entire weekend, in actuality, it stopped raining every time we had an outdoor activity. How's that for luck?

There's also a photo gallery available for those who want a longer look.

Rod & Gun Club Youth Day

Tyler draws a bead

The Negaunee Rod & Gun Club hosted its annual "Youth Day" today, and both Pack 321 and Troop 321 jumped at the chance to learn more about firearms, firearms safety, trapping, and bow hunting. And by learning, we mean getting to shoot!

The boys got to shoot pellet guns, bows, shotguns, .22 caliber rifles, and a muzzle loaded .45. They also got to hand-load and shoot their own .45 caliber bullet. The grownups were invited to use their cameras.

At the end of the day, the club raffled off door prizes. Everyone walked away with something, but there were only six coveted prizes to include shotguns, rifles, and hunting bows. Happily, our kids walked away with three of these!